Masonry Magazine January 2017 Page. 16

Masonry Magazine January 2017 Page. 16

Masonry Magazine January 2017 Page. 16
EDITOR'S LETTER


lease allow me to formally our big chance to both re-engage our introduce myself. My name current audience while expanding to is Dan Kamys, and I'm the a younger demographic that may not new editor of this historic know as much about the industry.
publication. First, I want to thank As someone who's younger, I gotKaren Hickey and the former Masonry a firsthand sense of the industry'sstaff at Lionheart Publishing for
dedication at the MCAA Mid-Yeartheir dedication and hard work at
meeting in Scottsdale. I felt incrediblymaintaining the magazine for the welcomed by all of the attendeespast several years. They have been and it was unlike anything I've ever
nothing short of outstanding during experienced before. The meeting's
this transition process. I'd like to frank discussions on the issuesemphasize how energized our new facing the trade were refreshing andteam is to be the industry's voice and reaffirmed my commitment to doingadvocate with the Masonry brand.
whatever I can to promote masonry. I say brand as opposed to a magazine
Since the MCAA is now back inbecause it is my singular intent to charge of running the magazine, ittake Masonry to the next level. Yes, presents us with the ability to furtherthe print version is still our main unify Masonry's message with thefocus. However, we will be unifying Association's work. We are focused the digital, social, and eNewsletter on providing useful, constructive
components with the magazine.
solutions for both the day-to-day lifeAlong with the rebranding, site of contractors and the whole industry.
redesign, social media and brand developments we've been working The new look of Masonry is quite on for the past few months, I am most different, and an evolution of the
excited about our new upcoming
previous versions. We've taken the 50+ publication, Masonry: Regional.
years that this publication has been around, and built on that foundationMasonry: Regional will be a for the audience oftoday, tomorrowgeographically focused publication and beyond. The amount ofwork thatthat will go to six targeted sections has gone into getting the magazine of the country starting later this year.
to this point after all these years isThis will allow us to develop content commendable, and I remain committedspecific to certain areas, work with to the small, medium and large smaller suppliers who want to get businesses we are trying to serve.
their message out and develop all new types of relevant content. This is Small business and hard work are in my blood. My biggest role model is my father. He went from working in a machinery factory without a college degree to owning the company 40 years later. Sacrifice, care for family, concern for employees and a desire to better the economy through hard work and earning an honest living are all principles I got to experience firsthand. These are the same components that are ingrained into the masonry industry.
Through my experience working with my dad's company, I've learned not everything is always sunshine and roses, so I'm not going to pretend it is in the magazine. However, I am committed to working with field experts, writers, suppliers, and readers on how the industry can best tackle its challenges. I want to collaborate with you so that Masonry can do its small part in helping to improve the trade as a whole.
I consider myself lucky to have been given this opportunity and am ready to face the challenges and opportunities that come with taking over the voice and heart of the industry. So along with everyone here at the MCAA, allow me to welcome you to the new Masonry.
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